The Neighbor

Chapter 4: Half Day Off

On Saturday morning I woke up filling intending to enjoy my day off at the beach. But when I came downstairs I found a list of chores I had to do while the others were out on an unnecessary shopping trip. The list read: Buy groceries, do laundry, pick up dry cleaning, clean house, sweep the backyard (which is just sand), wash dishes, dust the entire house, and paint the living room green.

"There goes my beach day, "I muttered. I got dressed in my usual jean shorts and tank top, grabbed my allowance/grocery money, and got on my bike. The grocery store was twenty blocks away but it was a pleasant ride. Most of the path had a perfect view of the ocean.

The grocery store was the largest building in our little village. The inside was packed as usual. I made my way down all the aisles, knowing exactly where everything was. I said hi to all the adults that I saw every time I went to the store.

Finally I went to the fruit section to get the last thing on the list, apples. They were on the top shelf today for some reason. I stretched to reach them. I realized too late my mistake. I got the bag I wanted along with about a dozen other bags that came crashing down on top of me. Everyone stared at me, but no one offered help.
What did you expect? I thought, No one's going to help the goth girl. I began to pick up two bags of apples at a time and put them back up on the shelf. Finally I was left with no bags. I was a bit nervous to attempt to get a bag again. Luckily I didn't have to.

"Want some help?" someone asked behind me. I turned around and found Kahoni standing behind me.

" Yeah thanks, "I said shyly. I noticed none of his friends was with him but he was wearing a bathing suit and a surfing shirt.

"Are you going surfing?" I asked.

He grabbed a bag and handed it to me. "Yeah, "he said, "we're meeting at the beach."

"Cool, "I said. I turned to go to the check out lines and he followed for some reason. "Who's we?" I asked, trying to make conversation.

"Oh you know Jace, Tristan, Bobby, and Savannah." He said Savannah quietly.

"Cool, hope you have fun with your girlfriend."

"You could come, if you wanted." I glanced at him suspiciously. He wanted me to go surfing with him and his girlfriend?

"Sorry I have chores to do, "I said, "maybe next time." He looked disappointed but I started to check out so he had to leave.

I carried my two bags out to my bike. I put them in my bike basket and tied the tops thinking they may spill on the ride home. I picked up the dry cleaning and rode home. When I arrived home I picked up the grocery bags who's bottoms decided to fail and spill everywhere.

"Hm, hope they like oranges off the driveway, "I said thinking of my siblings. I did the rest of my chores quickly and rather sloppily.

Nonetheless they were finished and I could go surfing. I put on my blue and orange triangle printed bikini bottom and the matching surfing shirt. Then I made my way to my surfing shack. I could see kids out surfing, which was normal for one in the afternoon on a Saturday.

My surfing shack used to be my father's, as well as my surfboard. It was a small, weather beatened shack that contain one surfboard, spare parts, and wax. I waxed up my board and carried it out to the ocean. I immediately recognized the people surfing as Kahoni and his friends. I thought about leaving Kahoni saw me.

" Danny!" he shouted, "Glad you could make it!" Everyone else glared at me, but I didn't care. Kahoni smiled at me with his large, gorgeous smile. He got all his friends to say hi to me and then we began to paddle out.

It was quite obvious that Savannah didn't know how to surf, or paddle for that matter. She kept making Kahoni slow down so she could catch up and I waited with him. I had no idea how she was going to surf, especially on the big waves we saw coming. I gave her credit for trying but she just glared at me for it.

Finally the waves came. I paddled out at the same speed as Kahoni. But when the wave came I got up faster. If I hadn't been enjoying the amazing moment I might have realized he had done that on purpose to lighten my spirits. When I dived off I felt another huge wave pass over me.

I resurfaced to make sure everyone was okay. Everyone came back up, except Savannah.

Jace formed the question we were all thinking, "Where's Savannah?" Everyone ducked under and looked. At first I saw nothing but seaweed and fish, but then I saw a commotion.

Savannah was stuck in a fishing net in an area only I would see. I didn't even think; I just swam down and ripped the net away. She kicked me in the face on her way to the surface, confusing me for a second. I couldn't find the surface and I desperately needed air.

Strong hands grabbed my arms and dragged me up. I gasped for air and once my lungs were filled out spun around to see Kahoni had saved me.

"Thanks, "I gasped.

"No problem, "he said. He flashed that adorable smile again. We all paddled back to the shore and sank to ground panting. Savannah sat down next to me. I expected a thank you, but I really shouldn't have.

"I'm going to say this one more time, "she said ominously, "stay away from Kahoni."

I was so tired of this girl. I stood up with my board and turned to leave. Over my shoulder I said, "Not in your wildest dreams sweetheart."